LMIA Work Permits
An LMIA is an approval the employer obtains; your work permit is built on top of it. Start with what does not work under the current rules.
Check first — these cases cannot proceed right now
- Low-wage LMIA applications (below the provincial median wage) are refused processing in census metropolitan areas with 6%+ unemployment. For applications submitted July 10 – October 8, 2026 this includes Vancouver (6.7%), Kelowna (7.5%) and Calgary (7.0%); the table updates quarterly (next: October 9, 2026).
- A job offer or LMIA does not guarantee permanent residence. PR is a separate stage with its own points and draws.
- If the employer cannot demonstrate the ability to pay wages (for example, loss-making financials with no supporting evidence), refusal risk is high.
- There is no appeal for a refused LMIA — only a reconsideration path. Preparing the file properly the first time is the best strategy.
2026 LMIA recruitment advertising rules
| Stream | Advertising period | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|
| High-wage (at or above provincial median) | Minimum 4 weeks | Prescribed advertising channels |
| Low-wage (below provincial median) | Minimum 8 weeks (since Apr 1, 2026) | Additional youth recruitment efforts |
Wage thresholds vary by province (e.g. BC: $38.40/hour as of 2026). Check the current thresholds on the official ESDC Temporary Foreign Worker Program pages.
Where there is still a path
- High-wage positions are not affected by the freeze and can proceed now.
- Exempt streams such as agriculture can still be submitted in frozen regions.
- Employers with temporary losses have been approved with proper evidence of the ability to pay.
- French speakers may qualify for an LMIA-exempt route (Francophone Mobility) worth reviewing first.
Job-matching support for workers
Priority-based matching
We match across Canada based on your priorities — region, position, and wage.
Interview & resume
We run interview practice for candidates new to Canadian hiring, and review and edit your resume.
Weekly follow-up
We keep a matching log and follow up on progress once a week.
Final RCIC review
Every file is reviewed and submitted by a CICC-registered consultant (RCIC R706158).
How it proceeds
We map what is possible under current rules based on your experience, target region, and wage range.
We find an employer that fits your priorities and prepare you for interviews.
We confirm the advertising requirements are met and prepare the submission.
After LMIA approval, we carry the case through the work permit application.
Frequently asked questions
Does an LMIA get me permanent residence?
Can I appeal a refused LMIA?
How long does it take?
Where does my case fit?
Tell us your situation and we will map what is possible under the current rules.